How to Get English Bulldogs Adjusted to Another Dog

Bulldogs are known for their gentle temperament. They are loyal and great with children. However, they can also be stubborn, with a desire to be the dominant dog in the house. They can be tenacious and will not back down in the face of danger. Introducing a new dog to your home may cause your bulldog to defend his turf. You can smooth the transition by following a few well-known behavioral tricks to ensure that your new dog gets a warm welcome to your home.

  1. Before the New Dog Arrives

    • In the weeks leading up to the arrival of a new dog, spend extra time with your bulldog. You must work on establishing your dominance as the leader of the pack. Your bulldog will feel less need to establish her dominance or protect her human if she sees you as the pack leader. When taking her for a walk, make sure she walks beside or behind you. Work on obedience and make sure that she follows commands. Socialize your dog by taking her to parks where she can play with and interact with other dogs. Make sure she reacts in a friendly manner to strange dogs so that you can prevent conflict in the home.

    Moving Day

    • When you bring the new dog to the home, do not bring it directly into the house. Instead, get the dogs to meet on neutral ground. Your bulldog is far more likely to want to protect you and his position in the pack if the new dog is brought onto his home turf. Put both dogs on a leash and introduce them to each other in a park or in your neighborhood. If this is not possible, then at least bring the new dog to the very edge of your dog's territory and make your introductions. Let both dogs become accustomed to each other before you let the new dog into your home. Bulldogs are territorial and will defend you if they feel that a new dog is a threat. Move slowly and remain calm. Your bulldog can sense your apprehension, which will make him more likely to be aggressive. Praise good behavior and do not reward bad behavior with attention.

    Establishing Dominance

    • If possible, keep the new dog in a submissive sitting or staying position. This will make your bulldog feel that she is in the dominant position. Remain calm and give your dog lots of praise. If the dogs begin to show aggression, separate them and wait until they have calmed down before attempting a second introduction. Once the new dog has entered the home, pay special attention to your bulldog to reassure her. Until the dogs have worked out their new social standings, try to keep them separated. Place their crates or beds in separate rooms and feed them in separate locations. As the dogs become accustomed to each other, you can relax these restrictions, but initially it can help to avoid conflict. Pay lots of attention to both dogs separately. For the first few days, walks and play time should be conducted with each dog separately.

    Dealing with Conflict

    • Regardless of how careful you are, conflicts can still arise. Look for the signs so that you can stop them before they begin. Dogs about to fight will attempt to stare each other down. Body language will become stiff and pronounced. If you cannot separate the dogs in time, do not shout or become anxious when the dogs are fighting. Most dog fights are over in seconds, but if your bulldog persists (they can be stubborn), then remain calm. If there are two people in the house, each person should grab a dog by the hind quarters and pull. Try to put one hand on the leg and one hand on the collar for maximum effect. Be quick as the dogs may turn to bite you. Water from a hose or a spray bottle with vinegar can separate fighting dogs. Don't put your hands near their faces or you may get bitten. Speak in a calm voice and try to diffuse the situation by taking control. Separate the dogs for a while. Try to gradually introduce them on neutral soil again.